Homeland Security contractor suffers computer breach

Aug. 6, 2014
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The Seal of the Federal Bureau of Investigation / AP

by Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY

by Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON - The FBI has launched an investigation into a computer breach involving the systems of a government contractor that has been conducting background security checks on Department of Homeland Security personnel, officials said Wednesday.

DHS spokesman Peter Boogaard said the agency has temporarily halted work with the company, USIS, until authorities determine that additional information will not be compromised.

"A multiagency cyber-response team is working with the company to identify the scope of the intrusion, and the FBI has launched a federal investigation into this issue,'' Boogaard said.

In a statement posted on its website, USIS said it identified the "apparent external cyberattack'' and immediately informed U.S. authorities.

"Experts who have reviewed the facts gathered to date believe it has all the markings of a state-sponsored attack,'' according to the USIS statement.

"Cybercrime and attacks of this nature have become an epidemic that impacts businesses, government agencies and financial and educational institutions alike.''